Fix: ERROR_CALLBACK_POP_STACK 768 (0x300)

The ERROR_CALLBACK_POP_STACK system error in Windows, with code 768 (0x300), is encountered due to issues with the user mode callback. The error appears when the system files are corrupt, incompatible/buggy drivers are installed, or the app installation doesn’t go through successfully.

The error message states, An exception occurred in a user mode callback and the kernel callback frame should be removed.

Before you proceed to the solutions, reboot the PC, install all pending app and Windows updates, and check the error logs in Event Viewer to identify the faulty app/driver.

How can I fix ERROR_CALLBACK_POP_STACK in Windows?

1. Repair the corrupted system files

1. Press Windows + S to open Search, type Command Prompt, and click on Run as administrator.
2. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
3. Paste the following DISM commands individually and hit Enter after each: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
4. Execute this command for the SFC scan: sfc /scannow
5. Finally, reboot the PC to apply the changes.

Corrupted system files are the most common reason behind system errors, including ERROR_CALLBACK_POP_STACK in Windows. To fix this, run the DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) and SFC (System File Checker) scans, which will replace all problematic system files with their cached copies.

2. Update the drivers

1. Press Windows + X to open the Power User menu, and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the entries here, right-click on the devices listed underneath individually, and select Update driver.
3. Click on Search automatically for drivers and wait for Windows to install the best locally available version.
4. After updating all the drivers, reboot the PC.

Drivers and scripts were also found to trigger ERROR_CALLBACK_POP_STACK in Windows. In this case, updating the driver will do the trick. If Windows can’t find a better version, go to the manufacturer’s website, locate the new releases, and then manually install the driver!

3. Turn off optional Windows features

1. Press Windows + S to open Search, type Turn Windows features on or off, and click on the relevant result.
2. Untick the checkboxes for:
   • Internet Information Services
   • Windows Process Activation Service
3. Click OK to save the changes and then restart the computer.

When getting ERROR_CALLBACK_POP_STACK 768 (0x300) during a Windows update, disabling conflicting optional Windows features will fix things in no time!

4. Reinstall the affected app

1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type appwiz.cpl in the text field, and hit Enter.
2. Select the app triggering the system error, and click on Uninstall.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
4. Now, download and install the app from an official source, say the developer’s website or Microsoft Store.

If a quick app removal didn’t work, you must check whether the app left behind files and/or Registry entries that are still triggering conflicts. Or a simpler solution is to use a top-rated software uninstaller that will wipe all traces of the program!

5. Perform a clean boot

1. Press Windows + S to open Search, type System Configuration, and click on the relevant result.
2. Go to the Services tab, tick the checkbox for Hide all Microsoft services, and then click on Disable all.
3. Head to the Startup tab, and click on Open Task Manager.
4. Select any non-critical app that reads Enabled under the Status column, and click on Disable.
5. Go back to System Configuration, and click on Apply and OK.
6. Click Restart in the confirmation prompt.

In a clean boot state, Windows will load with minimal drivers and apps, providing you with an optimal troubleshooting environment.

If the Windows system error doesn’t appear anymore, re-enable the programs and services disabled earlier one at a time, and as soon as the error message reappears, the last enabled component is the underlying cause. For a service, disable it, and if it’s an app, uninstall it!

This way, you can identify what’s triggering ERROR_CALLBACK_POP_STACK and fix things quickly. If the error remains unresolved, contact the affected app’s developers for more help.

Before you leave, discover all Windows problems and fixes and take suitable measures to prevent these from reappearing!

For any queries or to share which fix worked for you, drop a comment below.